Museum of The History of Science - Oxford

Currently there is an exhibition called 'Steampunk' at the Museum of The History of Science. There are Victorian style objects - dressed up in brass and leather - Victorian materials and workmanship - which have futuristic functions. It is the world as it might have been.
Alongside are exhibits from the museum's own collection which helped inspire the Steampunk movement in Science Fiction and Art. This is a skull mapping device.
This is a model of the solar system's movements.
Finally a detail from one of the stain glass windows in the old building.

Ashmolean Re-opens

The Ashmolean museum in Oxford has re-opened after a lot of building work, and it is stunning...
It used to be a bit dull and dusty. But now everything is displayed so well and so artistically.

Solihull - Borders Stock Liquidation

10% off everything at Borders - possibly more. In Solihull only - but the rest of Borders were soon to follow.

Exhibition at Solihull Arts Centre

Solihull Gallery can be approached either from the library or from the theatre. Both parts of the cultural centre meet here. The current exhibition of sculpture made from soft furnishings and loved objects is by Kirsty E Smith.
Here is an old biscuit tin she has memories of, highly elaborated. She says as introduction to the exhibition "I live in a constant dialogue between my childhood memories and my experience of the preseent... Making is something I have done since a child..' To find out more visit her blog Frillip Moolog.

White Horse Hill

Just a couple of views. This shows the furrowed hillsides - possibly caused by the retreating ice.
And two different couples from different generations enjoying the view.

Graduation Ceremony

Here is the Great Hall at Goldsmith's College before the ceremony.
It is full most days this week for a different batch of students. Today was the day of Anthropology, Sociology, and Art.

Mark Wallinger, a Turner Prize winning artist in 2007, was awarded an Honoray Fellowship, and made a short speech.
Time has gone by so quickly. Our son is in the middle of this picture.
Up they go...

Laurel and Hardy

Ulverston in Cumbria used to have a backstreet Laurel and Hardy museum with newspaper clippings about Stan Laurel, who originally came from the town. Earlier this year a new statue was unveiled in front of the Coronation Hall.

Grange Over Sands

This view is from Grange Railway Station over what was the Grange Sands. It is far less sandy having been overgrown by an invasive plant since the last time we were there about ten years ago. After taking this picture I was told by the station master that photography in the station was no longer allowed because it is an infringement of copyright. So that too has changed since ten years ago.
Our main reason for going was not to see the station but to view all the art and craft displays along the promenade.
This lady is creating flowers from willow sticks which are then mounted on hazel.

Town Girl in Country Land

Not everybody came properly dressed for the Millom & Broughton Country Show in Cumbria
Nethertheless you don't need to be a country person to recognise prize winning vegetables...
or be able to spot prize winning poultry
But it does help to have a basic understanding of country ways.

Prague - by my better half

And finally two of my wife's pictures. The only reason I get away with taking so many pictures on holiday is she is doing it too.
Jesus Christ with churches behind...
Two ladies on a bench.